Chapter 1 - Seizing Control
All of Konoha's shinobi had assembled in the courtyard behind the Hokage Tower. The day was overcast, with leaden clouds gathering in the sky. On the balcony where the Hokage was to come and make his announcement, two ANBU stood guard, hidden behind their painted masks.
The assembly had been requested on short notice, early that morning, and no one seemed to know what it concerned. As a result, the wait made people fidget and whisper among themselves. Some remarked upon the rather formal presence of the entire Konoha Police Force. The Uchiha stood rigidly at the back of the courtyard, glaring at anyone who so much as turned their head toward them.
At long last, the doors opened and Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped onto the balcony. The Council followed him, along with a fifth person, whose presence there elicited fervent whispers from the crowd. Fugaku Uchiha came to a halt one step behind the Hokage, looking down at everyone assembled.
Hiruzen cleared his throat and approached the railing, placing his withered hands on it. The crowd fell silent, waiting for him to speak. He was looking down, his gaze vacant, as if he were in some far place. Moments passed in silence. Thunder rolled distantly, bearing the threat of rain. At long last, the Hokage spoke.
"I have asked you all to come here today," he said, looking up to meet their eyes. It seemed as if he were looking right through them. "To tell you that I have decided to resign from my position as the leader of this village."
A few sounds of surprise reached up to the balcony, but Hiruzen did not notice. He continued, in a deadpanned voice:
"I feel I have grown too old to hold this position. Konoha needs a younger leader if we are to affirm our position as a strong shinobi village. The Council agrees with me on this matter, and to this end they have already determined who is to be my successor."
More reactions of surprise, as well as confusion. The heads of Konoha's clans exchanged glances. The Hyuuga, in particular, suddenly seemed mistrustful of the whole situation. The crowd began to buzz with tension.
"I hereby renounce my title and my attributions," Hiruzen said, "in favor of Fugaku Uchiha."
There were audible gasps this time, loud enough to make the members of the Police Force tense up, ready for anything.
"Fugaku has long been a valued member of our community and a talented shinobi. I believe he will help bring about a new age of peace and prosperity to Konoha. Under his leadership, Konoha will thrive."
Hiruzen removed his Hokage hat and with a final, empty glance at the assembled crowd, he stepped back as Fugaku Uchiha came in full view. The crowd shifted. Most of the shinobi looked uncertain, but some downright glared at the figure standing on the balcony.
"It is with great humility and reluctance," Fugaku began, " that I have decided to accept this weight the Council has seen fit to place on my shoulders."
"Usurper!"
Fugaku's attention turned to the back of the crowd, where a space had formed around the man who had shouted. The Police Force moved forward, but Fugaku raised a hand to stop them.
"In the past years there has been a growing sense of distrust towards the Uchiha clan. I plan to show you all there is no reason for this animosity between us. After all, we are, each and every one of us, shinobi of Konohagakure. We are all working towards the same purpose and that is the safety of this village and everyone in it."
"Traitors!"
This time, the threat was not empty. The shinobi threw a kunai at Fugaku before two members of the Police Force rushed to restrain him. Fugaku made no move to defend himself, but the ANBU to his left jumped forward and deflected the kunai.
"Fugaku!" Hiashi Hyuuga stepped forward and the crowd parted to let him pass. "Everyone here knows that the Uchiha have been planning to take over this village for years. We can only suspect foul play. I, for one, will not stand for this treachery and disregard for authority."
"Are you standing up against the Council's decision?" Fugaku asked.
"I am standing up for what I believe: you have somehow influenced the Council's decision and staged this succession."
"How dare you raise such accusations against me? What proof do you have?"
But Hiashi ignored his questions. "By all means, ascend, Uchiha. Throw this village into chaos, if you are so determined to see it burn. However, do not expect all of us to help you destroy all that we have worked for."
With those words, Hiashi Hyuuga untied his headband and threw it on the ground. The rest of his clan was quick to follow his example. Fugaku watched them file away towards the gate. It was not like he had expected the Hyuuga to cooperate. After all, their clans had been at odds for a long time.
"Your defiance will not be without consequences, Hiashi," he called out. His threat seemed to fall on deaf ears. Anger surged within him, but Fugaku controlled himself. He could not behave like this here, for all to see.
Others started to walk away from the crowd. Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi looked at Shikaku Nara, who seemed distraught. Behind them, a group of shinobi picked a fight with members of the Police Force and were quickly silenced.
"This is madness," Inoichi uttered under his breath.
"Madness, yes," Shikaku said. "But this is not the right time to pick a fight."
"What should we do?"
Shikaku's jaw tensed and relaxed, as if he were chewing on the answer. "Without Hokage-sama and the Hyuugas with us, we stand no chance against the entire Uchiha clan. Without proof of their treachery, there is nothing we can do. I believe the best course of action is to remain neutral until everyone's allegiance is clear."
"By then it may already be too late," Inoichi murmured, looking at Fugaku Uchiha.